The Resort at Suffolk Downs

Who is Mohegan Sun?

Mohegan Sun is the region’s leading gaming brand, and the best in the industry at delivering a resort gaming experience that will drive visitation to this region.

Why Mohegan Sun?

Even as our plans to develop a bright new future for Suffolk Downs have seen some change, we remained steadfast on one thing: developing a world class resort casino that would make our neighbors proud and deliver real economic benefits to Revere. And we would build that bright future with a respected partner.

Our new partner, Mohegan Sun is the region’s leading gaming brand, and the best in the industry at delivering a resort gaming experience. Their strategic partnership with Brigade Capital Management, a $15 billion investment advisor with extensive experience in the gaming industry, gives Mohegan Sun the strongest financial platform of any Massachusetts gaming license applicant and ensures their ability to deliver a $1 billion project to Revere.

They bring to the project a tremendous marketing advantage through the strength of their regional brand and database of loyal guests who visit their resort casinos in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Atlantic City. And with their experience and leadership, they will drive that same visitation to our region.

Suffolk Downs and Mohegan Sun both share a long-standing commitment to working with local businesses, community leaders and cultural and tourist organizations. And together, we truly are the home team and the premier gaming proposal for Eastern Massachusetts.

What about all the commitments around jobs?

The project still will create 2,500 construction jobs and 4,000 good paying permanent jobs with benefits and a preference given to local residents. In fact, Mohegan Sun is one of Connecticut’s five largest employers and has a strong track record of hiring and training local employees – more than 90 percent of its employees live locally. It will follow that same practice at the resort in Revere.

What about the promised local business spending?

Mohegan Sun has a long-standing commitment to working with local businesses, spending nearly $500 million annually on goods and services from local vendors near its Connecticut and Pennsylvania facilities. And in our region, it is a familiar corporate partner that will deepen these partnerships locally in Revere and throughout Massachusetts. It already enjoys marketing partnerships across Massachusetts – in Western Massachusetts with the Basketball Hall of Fame, in Central Massachusetts with the Hanover Theatre and in Eastern Massachusetts with the Boston Celtics.

Will racing continue?

Our commitment to racing at Suffolk Downs and preserving the hundreds of jobs of those who work so hard at our track remains. We have been granted a racing license for 2014 by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Because of the split vote – yes in Revere and no in East Boston – the track and Mohegan Sun’s gaming development must be separate entities. Gaming development at our property helps ensure the future of racing. We will file a plan for the future of the track with the MGC at the end of the year.

What is the process for a Revere-only casino?

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is expected to vote soon on whether our Revere-only plan can move ahead. If so, the next step would be Mohegan Sun’s official proposal (RFA-2) by December 31. The commission has said it expects to award a license in April 2014.

Is the Revere HCA valid?

We and the city of Revere believe that our Host Community Agreement and the referendum in Revere are both valid. Mohegan Sun will honor all commitments made by Suffolk Downs in its Host Community Agreement with the City of Revere, which is currently being amended to reflect the Revere resort proposal with additional benefits for Revere. The HCA will include millions of dollars in estimated annual payments to Revere, significant one-time community investments, capital commitments related to municipal projects and transportation and infrastructure improvements.

Do we need another vote?

We don’t think so. Suffolk Downs, Mohegan Sun, Revere officials and other experts believe that the overwhelming support we received in the November referendum remains valid.

Will Boston be a surrounding community?

Yes, we have designated the city of Boston as a surrounding community and we are working to develop an agreement with the city. We want this project to be a regional success and we want to work with our neighbors in East Boston and the city as a whole to ensure they benefit if we are successful.